I know this might come as a surprise but, at least, it's very pleasant one for everybody concerned.
After several wonderful years as editor for Romantic Country, the time has come for me to pursue all the many other ventures I have become involved with (more books, more photo shoots for magazines, a line of products "Prairie Pretties" and on going associations with European magazines.) I am definitively no super woman and realized that I had to give something up.
So, the soon to be out issue was my last one and I am so happy to introduce to you MARY FORSELL, Romantic Country new editor. Please, welcome her into your life as you have so generously welcomed me. Think of her as my (younger) sister!! I know you are going to love her style.
WELCOME MARY!!!!
Many of you already know the multi talented MARY but here is a little more about her:
Mary is an editor and writer who has written for the magazines Victoria, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, and Bride’s, among others. She is the author of a number of lifestyle books, including Heirloom Herbs, Living the Artful Life, Romantic Weddings, Table Settings: Special Touches for Entertaining, and quite a few others. She lives with her husband and two daughters (plus one terrier, three cats, and several turtles---and, in my book, thats another +) in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York.
I am sure you already have several of her books in your library, but if you are missing a few check these out:
........and here are a few samples of her past articles. As you can clearly see, MARY is perfect for the job..........
So, not to worry:
ROMANTIC COUNTRY lives on.
(....and I will still be around....you don't get rid of me that easily!!!)
I do want to thank each of you for the priceless support you have given me over the years and I look forward to keep hearing from you and to let you know about all the exciting things coming up for me this year. More on that later.
THANK YOU for welcoming MARY and for remaining faithful readers of ROMANTIC COUNTRY.
With much love, always!
Good luck in all your new, future endeavors, Fifi! I'll look forward to reading about them. Much luck to Mary in her new role, too.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expression | March 24, 2011 at 06:47 AM
Best of luck in all your new adventures. You will be missed, but Mary will be welcomed with open arms.
Posted by: Ginger | March 24, 2011 at 06:58 AM
I just saw your Tweet darling Fifi and want to wish Mary the very best with her new position. It sounds like she will be the perfect one to take over the job! I know that I have that Victoria Weddings book around here, now off to dig that out if I can find it.
Just know that whatever you do in the future you are so loved by so many, and I know that you will continue to inspire us over the years to come! A toast to your happiness.....
Love you...xoxo, Janet
Posted by: Janet (shabbyfufu) | March 24, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Oh Fifi,
I wish you the best of luck in your future ventures. I look forward to read about your plans and adventures.
Welcome and good luck to Mary in her new role.
Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | March 24, 2011 at 07:11 AM
congrats to Mary, looks like she does beautiful work and I cant wait to see how she does in the editor venture! I know what you mean about having to bow out of some things to give attention to others. Sometimes you have to say 'no' to things so you can say a big 'yes' to others!~
Posted by: heather | March 24, 2011 at 07:22 AM
Always nothing but good wishes and you will be very successful in your new adventures, I am very sure... When you have the talent and desire it is always a good combo... Looking forward to your future, and welcome to Mary in her new role.... Enjoy.. whatever you choose to take part in... Life has many small blessings...
Posted by: Marietta | March 24, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Hello dear Fifi... congratulations and welcome to Mary!... I will of course continue my subscription with Romantic Country!... she looks lovely... and best wishes to you!... PLEASE tell us more about your new line called "Prairie Pretties"!!! I can hardly wait!... xoxo Julie Marie PS I cannot put your book down, I am loving it!
Posted by: Julie Marie Vicknair | March 24, 2011 at 07:36 AM
the transition will be as smooth as silk ... passing the baton can be a good thing ... you will carry on and even blossom more, dear friend ...
Mary looks HIGHLY qualified.
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | March 24, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Congratulations on your new ventures !!! Can't wait to hear all about them. You make everything you touch beautiful and successful. Can't wait to see your new Prairie Pretties too!!!! Love your style:) And Welcome to Mary!
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Posted by: Debra | March 24, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Congratulations to both you, Fifi, and to Mary. You will be missed a great deal, but so happy that you are able to pursue more dreams. I hope you'll share with us where we can find "Prairie Pretties":))) My books arrived the other day, and I am sending out three to my blog winners, and have one for myself. It's just wonderful, I loved seeing so many familiar homes, some from my own home town. The photography is beyond amazing, so please pass on my compliments to Mark. Also to Sunday, who is a superb stylist, I wish she could visit me, I need her! And also Fifi, you did a wonderful job on the book, and I look forward to many more in the future, I want a collection, just like my Rachels:) Sending you hugs, from the not so sunny today, State of California, xxx, tami
Posted by: tami | March 24, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Fifi, best wishes to you in all your endeavors. You will continue to be a primary source of inspiration to me. I welcome Mary to her new role and look forward to much loveliness of the beautiful quality she has already produced. Kudos to both of you! ~ Angela
Posted by: Angela | March 24, 2011 at 07:58 AM
Congratualtions Fifi on your new ventures! Best of luck to you..
Mary is a prize and have heard of her beautiful books!
Best of luck to both of you!!
Jo
Posted by: jo | March 24, 2011 at 08:12 AM
I am looking forward to your next issue Fifi!;) You are such a busy lady and I wish you all the best in your new ventures~And of course I will still purchase Romantic Country and welcome the new editor~ HUGS, Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
Posted by: Rachel@French Farmhouse 425 | March 24, 2011 at 08:21 AM
I'm sorry to hear you'll be leaving Romantic Country, Fifi, but welcome Mary with open arms.
I just received your fabulous book, Romantic Prairie Style, last week and absolutely LOVE it! I look forward to seeing your future books, which I know will be just as wonderful.
I wish you the best of luck in your new ventures, Fifi!
xoxo,
Jo
Posted by: Jo ~ Secret Garden Cottage | March 24, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Fifi, congratulations on your decision. Mary looks like a delightful and capable lady. Romantic Country is STILL my favorite magazine. I will STILL look forward to every issue. Honestly, I don't know how you have managed to do all that you do, do. Please, please, keep your blog up and running so we all can follow your endeavors. Can't wait to hear and see your Prairie Pretties.
Best wishes,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Rubin | March 24, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Congrats to Mary, she will be wonderful! You will be missed, yet still working for us in other ways! It's always so much fun to anticipate what your next project will be!
~Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | March 24, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Hi Fifi,
Thank you for the introduction to Mary, wishing her the best at Romantic Country.
Sweetie, I'm so excited for the Prairie Pretties, just let me know if you need a testing ground, I'm more than willing to volunteer for the greater good ;)
I'm excited for you about all things Fifi and how you embrace it all with je ne sais quoi.
Love ya, Sweet Princess, and then some.
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: My Petite Maison | March 24, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Congratulations Fifi! Ohh I'm going to miss you, we all just adore your style! We will of course welcome Mary. I wish you the best of luck and continued success with your new ventures. I love your new book and look forward to the "prairie pretties" Have a wonderful weekend...xoxokathee
Posted by: kathee zurian | March 24, 2011 at 09:18 AM
Thank you so much Fifi for your kind words. And I really appreciate the uplifting thoughts from everyone who posted. I am looking forward to this new venture!
Posted by: Mary Forsell | March 24, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Fifi~
Your beautiful touch will be missed but you must follow your bliss. Wishing you all the best on your new journey!
Posted by: Pansy Cottage Girl | March 24, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Wish you the very best, and congratulations to Mary, looks like you will both be doing the jobs that girls dream about! oxoxo, Diane
Posted by: Diane | March 24, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Dear Fifi,
How exciting for you to be expanding your horizons! I know that you will still keep your blog, so that we can keep in touch with you. I wish you the best of luck in all you do.
Welcome to Mary!
xo
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio | March 24, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Sad to see you leave Romantic Country, but I know that only means to us that there will be many other exciting things to come for you - and you ALWAYS share them with us! Thank you for being such a great inspiration to us all. You are simply adored! ~Destiny
Posted by: Destiny | March 24, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Fifi, as you know I will be sad to see you go, but happy too that you will have more time to pursue the wonderful opportunities available to you right now!
And Mary will be the perfect replacement with her wonderful sense of style and vast publishing experience.
xo Kat
Posted by: Kat | March 24, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Bienvenue à Mary...
Je suis un peu attristée par votre départ. Vous voilà au croisement de beaux chemins certainement...
Bon vent à vous et donnez-moi de vos nouvelles...
Gros bisous
Posted by: Martine Alison | March 24, 2011 at 10:49 AM
so excited for everything ahead for you, fifi, and warmest congratulations to mary on filling your very big (yet very tiny) shoes (or would that be boots?).
any friend of fifi, is a friend of mine!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | March 24, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Congratulations to both ofyou.
A job exquisitely done..and one to follow..
Lovely introduction..
Success to both of you~
Posted by: Monique | March 24, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Chere, Fifi! Merci de tes nouvelles! It's great to know you have so many things to keep you super busy and creative. We will definitely miss working with you @ Romantic Country. It's always been a pleasure. Thank you for all the hardwork and support! We look forward to watching your star shower us all with new spirit and life. Donna Pizzi & Philip Clayton-Thompson
Posted by: Donna Pizzi | March 24, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I am sad to see you go, but I see this for this wonderful opportunity it is for you. Sounds like there's GREAT things ahead!
And I am so proud that my photographs will be in your last issue as editor, Fifi!
Welcome to Mary, looks like she'll do a fabulous job!
Hugs,
Anne
Posted by: Anne | March 24, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Congratulation Mary on your new position of Editor of Romantic Country, my most favorite magazine in the world. And Fifi, I wish you all good fortune in your new endeavors. Am waiting with baited breath for the delivery of your book. Fifi I LOVE your style and will follow you wherever you may go in the world of BEAUTIFUL!!
Ginger Engler
Posted by: ginger | March 24, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Welcome Mary!
Sad to see you leave RC FiFi but happy to know you will still be around sharing your passions with us!! Good luck as you explore your new paths and am excited to see what is next!!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | March 24, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Awww Ms. FiFi...sad to see you go...but very excited to hear about your next adventures!!
Welcome Ms. Mary...I LOVE my Romantic Country & will always keep my subscription:)
I know with your new adventures FiFi...you will soar hon..your talent is awesome!! Your a very kind sweet soul & we love you:)
Hugs..
Deb:) xoxo
Posted by: DEBBIE BELL | March 24, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Fifi ~
I am so excited to see your new
"Prairie Pretties" ~ I know they will
just be wonderful !!!
Congratulations to Mary too :)
xoxo
Lori
Posted by: Lori | March 24, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Can't wait to see what you will be up to now...amazing things, no doubt!!!
m ^..^
Posted by: {oc cottage} | March 24, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Oh Fifi, so sorry you are leaving us!! But your new projects sound wonderful.
Welcome Mary, you and your work look fab!
xxJacqui
Posted by: Jacqui | March 25, 2011 at 12:48 AM
Can't wait to see all your new adventures. Change is a good thing.
Good luck to you!
Posted by: KarenSue | March 25, 2011 at 02:30 AM
Dear Fifi,
I'm so glad that you are pursuing new ventures and that Romantic Country will still be around. I just adore this magazine and am inspired by each issue. Congratulations to Mary the new Editor. I will look for her books. And I look forward to more exciting articles in the following issues.
All the best to you Fifi,
Janet Bernasconi
Janet's Creative Pillows
Posted by: janet bernasconi | March 25, 2011 at 03:29 AM
We will miss your special touch to "Romantic Country" but wish you all good things in your upcoming endeavors!
~Hugs, Patti
Posted by: Patti Autullo | March 25, 2011 at 04:01 AM
I'm so glad you found someone to take over the magazine for you Fifi. It's one of my favorite inspiring periodicals.
Congratulations to her and I wish you well on your new adventures.
Posted by: Laura Jane | March 25, 2011 at 05:11 AM
It's exciting to try new ventures, so best of luck to you! I will always be interested in anything you do, and will follow this blog. Best of luck to Mary, too. She does look perfect for the job of editor. How exciting for her!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | March 25, 2011 at 05:29 AM
You will missed and Romantic Country won't be same with out you, But change is good, It refreshes the mind and sole so enjoy your new venture...Be happy...And to Mary welcome and Congrats look forward to reading work and to many more years.
~~Pattie~~
The Shabby Chick
Posted by: Pattie | March 25, 2011 at 05:35 AM
What a nice introduction to the new editor.
Well your little chicks will follow you where ever you go.
How exciting for you FiFi you have had some great advetures in your life so far.
I love a new adventure Good Luck
sincerely Janice
Posted by: Curtains In My tree | March 25, 2011 at 06:01 AM
I for one can't wait to see what you come up with next!
And, welcome Mary! I can't wait to see what she does with RC, love her style.
xo
Bisous,
Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/
♥
Posted by: Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio | March 25, 2011 at 06:12 AM
Hi Fifi and Mary,
Mary, congratulations, best wishes and welcome to Romantic Country. I own one of your books and love your work.
Fifi, change is always good and even though we will miss you at Romantic Country.. . . I feel kind of like you are just moving next door instead of moving away from all of us who admire and love your work. . . and we will still be in touch with you through your blog, books, magazine articles, new clothing line, and other fabulous and exciting ventures.
You are an amazing and gifted lady.
Blessings and Best Wishes,
Erin and Bentley
Posted by: Erin | March 25, 2011 at 06:35 AM
Best wishes for your new adventures. All that you have done with Romantic Country was so wonderful.
Can't wait to see and hear about your new projects - creations.
Your work brings inspiration and beauty to each day!
Congratulations to you and to Mary!!
Dawn Marie
Posted by: Dawn Marie | March 25, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Mary is not YOU, but with her resume she will be a wonderful addition to the magazine. I own some of her books and have read many of the mazazines you mentioned so I'm looking forward to seeing what she brings to the magazine.
I wish you much luck and many blessings in your upcoming endeavors. I know you made the right decision for yourself but please know that your touches to the magazine will be missed so much.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Julie
Posted by: Fabulous Finds Studio | March 25, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Welcome Mary. New adventures are so much fun.Fifi enjoy your new adventures. You are leaving us in good hands and we thank you.
Posted by: Peg | March 25, 2011 at 09:29 AM
Dearest Fifi,
Just like to congratulate both ladies on your new endevour and certainly Mary Forsell will continue Romantic Country just the way you've managed. She is multi-talented indeed!
Wishing you both good luck in every way.
Lots of love,
Mariette
Posted by: Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder | March 25, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Chère Fifi !
je viens juste de recevoir ton livre ! il est absolument magnifique ! mes sincères félicitations ! je crois que je vais passer tout mon weekend à le lire, le relire et regarder sans fin toutes les photos ...
BIZ et à bientôt
Posted by: Tania - Grange de Charme | March 25, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Well I'm not glad....I'm sad! Romantic Country is my favorite magazine and I'm sure going to miss you!...Yes I'm going to be Miss pouty face about it *winks* (Sorry Mary, I'm sure you're perfectly lovely) I wish you all the luck and happiness in your new endevors Fifi!....Now I'm going to go cry in my beer....Vanna
Posted by: Vanna | March 25, 2011 at 11:55 AM
The very best to you Fifi, and thank you so much for rhe lovely support you have given me:) Hope to see you soon!
xo Cindy Jo
Posted by: Cindy Jo Morgan | March 25, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Congrats to Mary and many many blessings to you Sweet Fifi. I have truly enjoyed your magazine issues.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Howard | March 25, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Congrats Fifi....change is always good. We will miss your inspiration in Romantic Country but will follow you throughout your new adventures.
Posted by: Caroline | March 25, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Bonjour Fifi ! je vous espère en pleine forme avec le printemps qui est là ... chez vous aussi, certainement !
Félicitations à Marie qui a l'air bourré de talent et de savoir-faire ...
J'adore toutes les photos que vous montrez ...
J'attends avec impatience le lancement de votre ligne de produits ...
Je vous embrasse et vous souhaite un bon week-end!!
Solène (MIgnonne allons voir..)
Posted by: Solène | March 26, 2011 at 03:36 AM
Good luck Fifi, not that you will need it. I hope you intend on keep this blog because I just love seeing your handiwork.
And of course Welcome Mary! Can't wait to see your touches to the magazine.
Posted by: Diane Dainis | March 26, 2011 at 10:59 AM
You have a very nice inspiring blog!
Thank you very much!
I follow you...
greetings from switzerland
jacqueline ♡
http://jacquelineswhitehome.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 26, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Good Luck Fifi, Best wishes from Sunny London XX
Posted by: selina | March 27, 2011 at 01:30 AM
Good morning Fifi. Congratilations sweetheart. I had felt it from the beginning, yes indeed I did. Thsi year, 2011, is all about new beginning's. Your adventure is starting and I wish you happiness in it. For everyone else enjoy this glorius life and the opportunity for every new day. Life is indeed a wonderful ride. All my best.
Namaste
Karen
Posted by: Karen | March 27, 2011 at 03:50 AM
Where oh where is spell check when I need her. Sorry ladies, I am only into my first cup of java. I just wanted to add a warm welcome to Mary. I have many of her lovely works.
New Beginnings, Namaste
Karen
Posted by: Karen | March 27, 2011 at 03:55 AM
Oh wow! Well, thank you for sharing your decorating heart with us. I hope Mary can carry the torch, you are a hard act to follow. Many blessings for your new career path.
Hugs,
Olivia
Posted by: Olivia Parazine | March 27, 2011 at 06:20 AM
Nice blog.
Posted by: Tim | March 28, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Welcome Mary!
And good luck on your journey, Fifi. Looking forward to following along.
ox~Cathleen
Posted by: Cathleen alyce | March 28, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Good luck- I've enjoyed your blog!
Posted by: Tamilou | March 29, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Romantic Country is one of the only magazines I get anymore, it has everything that I love. I am looking forward to what Mary will bring to my favorite friend.
Posted by: Cat Knapp | March 29, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Hello Dear Fifi!!
Congrats on your new book!!!!!!!!!
AND congratulations to you too Mary (if you are reading this)!! You must be a wonderful soul, not only because of your past work, but you are Fifi's friend!
YOU GO GIRLS!
xox
Constance
Thinking of you Fifi!
Posted by: rochambeau | March 29, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Fifi, You will be so missed. RC has impoved 200% since you took over as editor. Your French influence along with your savy affordable decorating style has been a major inspiration to me. I hope you continue your blog so that we have a way of keeping up with your new endeavors. Good luck and God bless.
A warm welcome to Mary.
Posted by: Mary Witt | March 29, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Fifi,
I just received my copy of your Romantic Prairie Style in the mail and flipped through it and I can see I have a lot of reading to do. I was raised in the country and it appeals to my inner heart. So beautiful. Thanks for all the inspiration.
You are keeping your blog aren't you? Hope so.
Blessings to you,
Ginger
Posted by: ginger | March 29, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Good Morning! Wanted to let you know that my copy of Romantic Prairie Style was found in my mailbox yesterday....and when i found some quiet time (after the kiddo's went to bed) i really enjoyed flipping through the pages cover to cover. I am excited to read through the entire book word for word now! Thank you for putting together such a beautiful book that looks very inspiring to me! xoxo, Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | March 30, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Fifi, I read this review as you explained I don't think he gets it. You need to hold on to the reality that all the fans you've made over the years through Romantic Country , your blog, being YOU is what matters. The Lord has given you a niche that you have embraced my prayer is for you to "shake" this opinion off like a baby duck shakes off those first drops of water. You are A BLESSING....we all are over the moon about the book...keep believing......Karena "A Loblolly Life"
Posted by: Karen Hilliard | March 30, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Surprising news, sad yet optimistic. Fifi, honestly I don't know how you can do it all. As you enter a new season of your life and career, I applaud your talent and look forward to seeing more of what life has in store for you. I look forward to meeting you in June!
Posted by: Cindy Roberts | March 31, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Good luck.
Posted by: Kristen | April 03, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Great photos of the French Laundry. I have eaten there a few times, it is quite an experience in many ways. Not to be missed.
Posted by: Malka Sabroe-JoHanson | April 04, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Fifi, I am so sad you are leaving, but I am also happy for Mary. What a lucky lady to get to take over for you. I'm so happy I was a part of your last issue. Your team was wonderful for the shoot at Posies in Arroyo Grande. I have but your book on my blog also.I know you are already busy working on the 2nd. I follow you faithfully, and will continue. Your Amazing Fifi. Hugs Chrisy chrisyscottage.blogspot.com
Posted by: Chrisy's Cottage | April 05, 2011 at 05:35 PM
You will be awesome at anything you do, Fifi! You have that "something". Happy for your new adventures! Will certainly keep on following your life :)-
You inspire.
Best wishes,
Suzy
Posted by: Suzy Miller | April 06, 2011 at 07:28 AM
How wonderful...follow your bliss!
Posted by: Vicki | April 06, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Sad to hear you are leaving, Fifi I was just about to renew my sub with them. HOwever, I shall stay on board and see how it all goes with the new editor. Best wishes to you and I'll miss you in the magazine. xx
Posted by: jJosephine | April 06, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Fifi! My first thought was Oh no!, but then I thought of how much you have and are currently doing. I really do not know how you manage to do all the things you do so successfully! You will be so very, very, very much missed by moi and I am sure many others judging from the comments left. I wish you all the best where ever you may go a wandering. I am sure Mary knows she has some pretty creative cowgirl boots to fill. I somehow missed this post in March, but picked up the info and link from Kim's website. Blessings to you sweetie. Patty/BC
Posted by: Patty/BC | April 08, 2011 at 05:56 PM
I am so excited for you, and cannot wait to get your book!! :) You are such an inspiration. looking forward to seeing what you do next!!
Hugs,
Teresa
xo
Posted by: teresa sheeley | April 16, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Just found you ... linked over from The Old Painted Cottage and her giveaway ... how fun! Love your "look" and style, and now I have a name for what I've been doing! Yea!! :)
Posted by: Holly | April 25, 2011 at 11:23 AM